More than a year has passed since Luiz Azeredo (Pictures) defeated Paul Daley (Pictures) at Cage Rage 19 in what was the Brazilian's most recent match. On New Year's Eve at Yarennoka!, Azeredo returns to action against Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pictures). Known for his aggression, Azeredo promises to go right at his Japanese opponent.

Gleidson Venga: Why did you go a year without fighting?
Luiz Azeredo (Pictures): I had a contract with PRIDE. I had two fights left on my contract, but PRIDE was finished and I lost my contract. Gates in the United States opened, but I had to get my visa, get documents and everything else, and organizations here in Brazil were worthless to me. I waited for an opportunity to fight, but I think we have to know our value because we train to give our best fighting and we must know our value. I was waiting for this opportunity to fight in a bigger organization, and then they called me to fight in Japan.

Venga: Did you spend this time training?
Azeredo: Yes. I took this time to improve myself. My BJJ and my Muay Thai improved a lot, as did my wrestling. My techniques improved -- I didn't stop.

Venga: How was your training for this fight against Kawajiri?
Azeredo: I can say that I trained for a year, and I'll show the result December 31. I didn't quit training. I was ready all the time.

Venga: What do you think about Kawajiri's fights? What do you think about his game?
Azeredo: I think he's a tough guy. I always say my destiny is to face the better ones. He is a top fighter, one of the best in Japan, and this will be a great fight. I'm ready to show my game. I know he wants to show his game, but I'll prove that Chute Boxe is better than him technically.

Venga: Are you glad to be back to Japan?
Azeredo: I'm happier than ever; Japan is my second home. This is a new organization, and I'm happy to show my work there.

Venga: You always go straight into the fight, running over your opponents. Will you use this strategy this time?
Azeredo: For sure. I'm well prepared, very excited. I have my magic ready to show in the ring. I'll give people a show. I'll put my heart on my gloves.

Venga: How is your training at Chute Boxe after names like Wanderlei Silva (Pictures), Andre Dida and the Rua brothers left the team? Could you keep the same level of training?
Azeredo: After they left the team, we opened doors to new talents. There are a lot of good people coming like Fabricio Werdum (Pictures), lighter guys and guys who'll show them work. I think this is the time for them to perform. The training is not weaker. At Chute Boxe we always had hard work. These guys [leaving] opened space for the new talents. It's just like team number one had left, but we have team number two. We have a lot of new talents to show, and everybody will see them because Chute Boxe is a champion's factory.

Venga: Is your match against Luiz "Buscapé" Firmino next year in São Paulo confirmed?
Azeredo: Yes. The event's owner wants this fight, so we'll give him this opportunity. We'll give a show. "Buscapé" wants to see Azeredo's game again, so I'll show him.

Venga: According to his words, this is a personal matter. What do you think about it?
Azeredo: To me it is professional business. I'll show my game, my techniques. I won't take it as a personal business. This is a sport, and we have to show it to the crowd, which wants to see a show. That's why this is called martial arts.

Venga: What are your plans for 2008?
Azeredo: I think we'll have a great year. I want to grow up more and be among the best. I want to show my work. I have a long career, and every time I fight, it's a new experience. I'm on the top, shining. That's why I want to show to the crowd that I have more to offer.